Archive · 26 Jul 2026
Scientific Expedition in Sikkim to Assess Glacial Lake Risks
A team of scientists in Sikkim is on a mission to study dangerous glacial lakes.
These lakes can suddenly release a lot of water, ice, and debris, which can cause floods and damage homes, roads, and other important things.
The team is collecting different types of data to understand the lakes better and figure out how to protect the area from possible floods.
They are also setting up weather stations to keep an eye on the conditions near these lakes.
This information will help the government make plans to keep people safe if a lake bursts.
A multidisciplinary scientific expedition began in north Sikkim on July 23 to assess risks from high-risk glacial lakes.
The team is collecting various types of data to understand the lakes' conditions and potential risks.
GLOFs can cause significant damage to settlements and infrastructure, as seen in the October 2023 incident at South Lhonak Lake.
The data collected will support hydrodynamic modeling and help authorities identify vulnerable areas and improve evacuation plans.
Automated weather stations will be installed to provide real-time meteorological information for better monitoring and preparedness.
- Who
- Scientific expedition team from various agencies in Sikkim
- What
- Assessing risks from high-risk glacial lakes and strengthening preparedness against GLOFs
- When
- Started on July 23
- Where
- Upper reaches of Mangan district in north Sikkim
- Why
- To prevent potential disasters from glacial lake outbursts
Proactive Risk Assessment
Potential Resource Strain
Importance of Monitoring
Proactive Risk Assessment
Proactive monitoring is crucial for early risk detection and disaster preparedness.
Potential Resource Strain
Frequent monitoring may strain resources and require significant investment.
- Expedition Start Date
- July 23
- Number of Glacial Lakes in Sikkim
- 320
- Recent GLOF Incident
- South Lhonak Lake, October 2023
- Data Types Collected
- Bathymetric, geological, geophysical, hydrological, meteorological
- Key Agencies Involved
- State Disaster Management Authority, Department of Mines and Geology, Sikkim University, Sikkim Commission on Glacial Hazards, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing